A man injured in a log-splitter accident near Motueka this morning was rushed to Hutt Hospital for specialist surgery.
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter has was called to the incident on the outskirts of the town about 10.45am today.
The 66-year-old patient was assessed and treated by the helicopter's on-board intensive care paramedic and local St John ambulance staff.
"Given the severe nature of his injury, the man was flown by the helicopter directly to the specialist surgical unit at Hutt Hospital," the rescue service said.